pay scale and benefits
Posted By: jnmd on 2009-06-04
In Reply to: I completely agree with what you say. - Kiki
I do not agree with you there. It does not matter if we are all remote or not. If ALL the qualified MTs would take a stance together and stop working entirely for a very short period of time ALL companies would have to give in. Without the backbone of their company, which is the remote MT, they would have no other choice but to close their doors or pay what is fair. Remember, when this industry went to the national carriers, they made the largest portion of their employees home-based, and for a reason, to cut down on their overhead. With that being said, who is doing all their work and lining their pockets with money. I have been involved, not as an MT, but in many other employment areas that had similar problems and demanded it to be rectified. It was not done by a union; however, very similar. ALL QUALIFIED PEOPLE MUST STOP WORKING, but prior to this must state why and for what they are demanding. Example... until we get benefits and a fair pay scale we do not work... PERIOD! I understand there is a group called AAMT with a BOS and an AHDI???? not sure of this one. But they make you do standarized formats. What I would do is contact these big groups, AAMT and tell them. We that are CMTs or qualified MTs are going to cease all work functions until we have a standardized package. We are expected to have all this knowledge and keep up all these credentials... and we demand to be compensated with a benefit package and fair pay scale. The way I see it, the MT has taken a decrease in these areas, yet expected to know and do much more. Does not make sense to me, but I am not an MT. I was directed to this board by an MT who was looking for ideas to get something done in these areas.
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"Example... until we get benefits and a fair pay scale
http://forum.mtstars.com/main/v/1/128040.html
That was with full benefits, which are the same benefits as an in-office employee for the QA staff..
However, I hear that their current QA staff are being asked to reach numbers that are out of sight and goals are basically impossible.
IC positions offer no benefits, employee positions off full benefits, so if you do not need
benefits, then IC would be best.
MQ pay scale
Specifics have not been announced yet, however, my TC sent a memo stating SE part time employees are required to do 4,000 lines/week...Well, sure I would, if there was enough work! My invoice just went in at midnight and because the work was low and no work over the last two week period of time, I only did approximately 7,400 lines. So, if they want to make a rule 4,000 lines/week for part time and 6,000/week for full time, I hope they provide the work.
wow, the pay scale has gone down since
I was there three years ago. How do they stay in business? When I was there, the flat training rate reflected how much you would be getting in cpl, depending on how they think you did on the test. Me having about 6 years experience under my belt at the time, scored the lowest according to them, and the starting pay was 7.5 cpl an hour and 12$ per hour during training. Of course that is still mortifying, but what you're talking about is not even minimum wage, and this is a skilled profession!!
pay scale
I'd like to know which is the best way to charge for radiology, by the line or by the report. If by report, how much? TIA!!
pay scale for MTs
Why is it that we continue to allow the MTSOs to offer a pay scale of only 7 and 8 cents a line for the work we do? They want experienced, hard-working MTs and then want to pay us entry level? I don't think so. Until the MTs take a stand on this issue, the MTSO's are going to continue this. No wonder they keep saying there is a "shortage of good MTs"---it's because the experienced MTs won't work for what they are paying. We have to make a living just like everyone else. Who else do you know that works for 7 and 8 cents a line?! Come on, MTs; don't take those low-paying offers! YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN THAT, AREN'T YOU?
Pay scale
I've looked into new jobs on the site and noted one company out of MO stating they would pay .06 cents/line. I have been a Transcriptionist for over 35+ years, retired, worked contingent, then thought I would seek another part-time job. The last job I had was .08 cents/line which wasn't terrible but not good either. Who would work for a measly .06 cents/line if you were experienced? What a disappointment. Guess I'll finally sell my foot pedal and earphones. Have already sold my two transcription machines. Sad, because I loved doing this but I could take in ironings or clean houses for more pay than that--besides which, it would be mindless
Here is how I scale it myself
General Transcription with no ESL $45-50 and audio hour add $5-10 for multispeaker or ESLs.
Medical is $60 minimum for clinic and no ESLs. I add from there depending on what else they want and ESL content.
Also, if this is general transcription and they require that you put timestamps in anywhere, I charge $1.00 each for that because it is a pain.
This is all if you are the one typing though too. If you are planning to outsource any, you will have to go up at least $15/hour to cover your overhead or end up with unskilled labor and/or India for subcontractors.
QA scale
Forgive my ignorance, but what is a weighted QA scale? I really don't know.
Does anyone know what the pay scale is for MQ? At what line
anyone else with ideas on pay scale for
Can email me if you'd like. Sure would appreciate it!
Amphion pay scale
Can anybody tell me what pay scale is at Amphion? Just curious about them because they have clinic but not sure about how it would balance since it looks like they require computer rent and internet expense. What kind of clinic work do they have? Is it just letters and short notes or more meaty clinic stuff, like neurology consults or things like that? Oh, and do they require a schedule set in stone or do you have any flexibility in getting lines in? TIA
Hospital MTs: What is your pay scale?
Just wondering what your base pay is, and how your incentive program works. If you would like to give your city or geographic area that would be nice, but not necessary. I'm just hoping to get an idea.
Also, what benefits does your hospital offer? I'm specifically wondering about 401K and whether any hospitals match the employee's 401K contribution.
RE: Hospital MTs: What is your pay scale?
I work for a hospital in Tennessee and my base rate is $23/hour. Full health plan with medical/dental, hospital pain retirement plan, also contributory 401K, sick/vacation days, etc.
There is a standard scale!
I know this is an old post, but I just ran across it. There absolutely is a standard scale. The AAMT website has it under an article titled Metrics for Measuring Quality in Medical Transcription (2005). I wish I could give you the exact page, but I only have the .pdf of that article - but it was only downloaded last week, so it'll still be there. 
I am in need for a weighted QA scale sm
I need to give some feedback and I'd love a weighted QA scale to use. Would someone be kind enough to email me one? I can't find the one I had and I didn't lift it off this site when it has been mentioned.
Many thanks.
QA scale--see inside--sm
I would think each company woudl have its own criteria, but this is one from an account I helped draft.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF Quality Assurance SCORING CATEGORIES
Medical Word Omitted (CTRL1) Point Value 1.0
Omitted medical words found in a trusted medical publication source (dictionary, specialty word book, drug index etc). In CS.com, there is not a distinction between critical/noncritical.
Medical Word Misspelled (CTRL2) Point Value 0.75
Misspelled medical words found in a trusted medical publication source (dictionary, specialty word book, drug index etc). This includes failure to adhere to AAMT Book of Style Dangerous Abbreviations list, as well as other medically related errors addressed in this reference guide, that could potentially harm a patient. In CS.com, there is not a distinction between critical/noncritical. Measurements typed incorrectly. Typing wrong form of word.
Punctuation (CTRL3) Point Value 0.25
Punctuation that is omitted or included in error that changes the meaning of a sentence, having the potential to cause harm to a patient.
Capitalization (CTRL4) Point Value 0.25
Capitalization that is omitted or included in error that changes the meaning of a sentence, having the potential to cause harm to a patient.
Grammar (CTRL5) Point Value 0.10
Any grammatical errors.
English Word Misspelled (CTRL6) Point Value 0.50
Misspelled general words.
Omitted Word Minor(CTRL7) Point Value 0.25
Omitted word that is not critical to the meaning of the sentence.
Typed extra word that does not not cause misunderstanding to the meaning of the sentence.
Omitted Word Major(CTRL8) Point Value 0.75
Omitted word that is critical to the meaning of the sentence.
Omitted modality in the title.
Contrast vs. noncontrast
Changed format (no techniques on required studies, no history, etc.).
current pay scale
I am an IC with 30 years experience. I am currently making 12 cents a 65 character line with no benefits, no time off, no taxes taken out, which is nothing compared to what I used to make in the hospital with all benefits.
None of us make enough, nor are we appreciated for our speed, knowledge and hard work.
Good luck! I hope you get your raise. You deserve it.
MediTech is in Marietta, not sure of their pay scale though
x
Where on the scale of conditions would a guarded
condition be?
First thing I would point out is that 8 cpl is the low end of the pay scale
x
Any MQers heard of 'new pay scale'?
There has been some rumors about this on this board. Some say they have recently received communication (har, har, har...sorry) about this. Anyone know any specifics? Any other changes?
What is paid by page per sliding scale?
New one on the job board. Never heard of such. Just wondering.
Or they could have "restructured" (i.e., cut) their pay scale and lost most of their editors.
shhh
How is QA score measured? Is there a standard scale? sm
Is it per report? Is by the number of characters in the report? I am guessing that a missed comma is counted differently than a wrongly used medical term...
Thanks for any help!
My economic dilemma is the same only perhaps on a higher scale...
I have had my cable connection shut off so many times for nonpayment, my utilities are not being paid in full because we simply never have enough money, groceries are now a luxury rather than a necessity as are utilities by the way...my pay has diminished greatly due to the global market and competing with countries like India in Medical Transcription.
I am aware of India and their problems but I am concerned for my own situation and survival.
got interrupted, cannot finish, but had to make my point
Current pay scale for radiology transcriptionist
Hello Cyberspace,
I am wondering if anyone can direct me to a website that will help me calculate if I am getting paid correctly for the work I am doing. I would like to know the going rate per line and per report for radiology transcriptionists.
I have several years experience and need some documentation in order for me to request a pay increase.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Leslye
Will you share what you think poverty wages means, i.e. pay scale? nm
x
1000 lines / 1.5 = 667 X incentive pay scale rate?
Ok, I inquired about a job and this is what they told me. Does this make sense to you all? What are they trying to say they pay for QA work?
We have an incentive pay plan ranging from 0.07 cents to 10 cents per line.
Our editing accounts are converted into typed lines. If you edit 1000 lines,
it is divided by 1.5 to get 667 typed lines and then paid on the incentive pay scale.
Thanks
Right Now, we do get benefits
but MQ is trying to change that, of course. They are trying to get our hospital to outsource everything to them, which would then mean i can work for MQ or leave. I hate MQ. I want to see them exposed for what they really are and I want to see everybody that have hurt, be compensated.
You can do that with benefits too, ya know.
:)
As long as you're happy, it pays your bills, and you can make ends meet at tax time, that's all that counts. :)
Is that with or without benefits
Do they have Editor positions as SE?
If you don't need benefits, look into
doing house cleaning for individuals on a weekly basis. Lots of under-the-table money to be made from what I used to see when I worked at a bank (and saw deposits of gals doing housekeeping). Weekly house cleaning is no longer limited to the well off professionals.
I was in QuickLube, or whatever it's called this week, and a 70-something lady was talking about her work as a home aide - light housekeeping and cooking and companionship - no medical stuff. She got her referrals through her church and was charging $10/hour.
Unfortunately, some of us need benefits.
Not even in the salad days did I make anywhere near that. In fact, most of the services I know don't charge that.
It's all about the benefits
Hospitals don't want to pay the benes. The hospital where I used to work was sold and the new owners threw us all out plus the service we used. My benefits alone costed the hospital roughly $5000 per year x that by 15 transcriptionists. Plus they provided everything for us, equip, desk, computer, etc.
Apparently they contracted a service for X amount of dollars per month/year to do it for them. No messing around with line counts and they always know what it will cost them.
Can you name some benefits for
the American MT to become certified? Please tell me how AAMT has changed the average MT's job security, satisfaction, etc. All I see is that they have given up on us and moved overseas to start programs and gain overseas members.
well, there are some benefits to having your own
was asking you to go away. A blog serves a similar purpose and in fact you may find a wider range of readers, interactions and help than what you may get on this web site. Yes, I have seen others here say they would start their own blog and have seen a couple of them, so it wasn't an only you thing (at least I didn't see it that way).
Benefits can add up to $10,000 though. (nt)
Tax benefits
I guess I just like knowing I own my own business and I made it what it is today. I like getting out and delivering. Talking to the people in the office making personal contact. Working as much as I want. I also like the write offs and paying less than $1,000 taxes per year. To each their own. To me this is the answer. Most on this board all they do is say that there is no way to make 50K a year and I simply gave an example of how you can do it. I am not knocking you, you seem to have done it I just like doing it "my way" as Frank Sinatra would say. Best of luck to you.
If you do not need benefits then you would
there is more leg work involved especially when first landing an account. The other problem is that even when you have a contract with them they can break it any time for someone who charges less. So you must remain humble with your pricing. When you have your own accounts, you have cut out the middle man, BUT, you must chase down your money. In my experience, the Transcriptionist must get paid LAST because most weeks, I have to ask nicely or do without. Have a safety net, an account to borrow from until you get paid because a lot of the time they pull OOPS, forgot your write your check, or OOPS doc needs to sign it or you just wonder when you'll get it. Just SOME things to consider, but good luck on whatever you decide.
IC - No benefits with this doc
I was total IC before. I dropped my other accounts and went the employee route for the bennies and so taxes are taken out. Now I get days and holidays off, too. That's a first. Worked 9 years 7/7, 12-14 hours a day, 3 days off a year for family.
What no one seems to realize that in my area, money is tight and so I can't charge the same as someone in a city or heavily populated area can charge. Jobs just aren't here.
Benefits
They cannot give you benefits if you are an IC. If they did they would have to turn you into employees. This is not just my opinion they are IRS rules.
My pay is okay - just no more benefits
It has become a matter of taking a higher cpl w/o benefits or lower cpl with benefits in this industry...as well as those employers who want (example) 7 years of experience for 5-6 cpl. Anyone accepting that should be ashamed to call themselves an MT. I make only slightly less than I did 5 years ago. Now I make 11 cpl on a 65 line count versus 11-12 cpl on a gross line - the difference though, is that I had paid benefits then which I don't have now. The other difference is that when I could work in DOS and create all reports into one file to send at the end of the day, I could routinely produced over 350 lph (and never, ever work more than 6 hours a day, 5 days a week!). Now that I have to work on a platform that requires individual reports being submitted, I've really taken a hit in how many lph I can produce. I still work less than 40 hr/wk, though.
I truly believe in working smarter than harder. If a company offers a platform or dictators that prevent me from making a minimum of 200 lph or more, then I don't work for them. If I can't use my abbreviations that I've built over the past 10 years, then I won't work for that company. If I can't have benefits paid by the company AND the cpl I want, then yes, I will be an independent contractor and take all the tax benefits I can. Last year, I only paid $268 in federal taxes for the entire year.
I have to work around my child as well (I am single) and I am fortunate that my training days are well behind me. I still have a good life and good income, but I am choosy about the company I will work for. When I am older and things change significantly that I make less than $40k/yr, then I will go back into coding and have a job with good pay and benefits. I can't see staying in a profession if it doesn't benefit me the way I need it to.
About benefits
After I wrote my last post I was just thinking about the benefits. I was with Keystrokes for a while and you can be an employee with them and still get the flexibility of 24 hour TAT and therefore you can get the benefits. So it's not impossible to get benefits and flexibility. I know the Keystrokes ortho accounts offer 24 hour TAT, not sure if it's all of the ortho accounts, but I know some of them do. I'm not sure if they have other specialties that have the 24 hour TAT. Good luck.
Benefits
The only "benefits" an IC gets is being able to make their own schedule. We do not get any medical, dental, retirement. We furnish our own equipment, do our own taxes, and do not get paid vacation or holidays.
benefits?
I know people who would change bedpans, just to get a hospital job because of the great benefits package. No judgement on types of jobs some of us would or wouldn't actually consider doing, but bottom line for some people is a steady paycheck and health insurance.
benefits
They do have good benefits and I did look into the kitchen job a bit more. I have not called HR yet. I guess my main point is I am surprised that the HR person did not follow through and let me know there is not an MT job. She did not indicate that when I met with her. I am also surprised that the application went to another department but if that is the way it is done, ok, fine. I do not feel I am a prima dona. I would have understood them passing the application on to perhaps the business office or something else in the medical record department. The job asked for an experienced MT so I was just responding to that particular job.
No Benefits
I'm an independent contractor and so I don't receive any benefits. The reason I stay as an IC is because it allowed me to obtain one degree, and now I'm going back to obtain my nursing degree, and so I like the fact that as an IC, I can set my own hours and that kind of thing...so unfortunately, the penalty for that is not having insurance, paid time off, etc., but I hope it will all be worth it in the end when I'm a nurse! And, I don't mind answering any questions at all...so feel free to ask.
Have a good day!
CMT benefits
Company I work for pays 1 cent per line more for CMT, also provides gift certificates for several webinars a year so does not cost me much.
Benefits
Just found out benefit premiums are going up over $100 more a month. I am hardly getting by as is, let alone when benefits go up. I have to carry the insurance for my entire family (husband is self employed). If someone works for a company that offers good coverage (deductible $1000 or less and copays $30 or less) and cheap premiums (i.e. less than $500/mo for family coverage), could you please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
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